South Moon BBQ on the move to bigger space

Published: Tuesday, March 4, 2014 12:00 a.m. CDT

HINCKLEY – Jeffery Jones says he cannot wait until he can start working at the new location of Hinckley's South Moon BBQ.

Jones, a one-year employee at the restaurant's current location, 146 E. Lincoln Highway, Hinckley, will make the move about 500 feet to the new location, 100 E. Lincoln Highway, when it opens, which owners are hoping will be later this month.

Owners Katie and Harlan "Pork Chop" Logan are waiting until remodeling is finished before they open the new location, which is about five times bigger.

"It's plain and simple: the food is great," Jones said. "You can't find anything quite like it out here."

South Moon BBQ's current restaurant is only about 700 square feet, said Katie Logan. The new 3,500-square-foot location will seat at least 75 people as opposed to only having eight tables.

South Moon BBQ's business started in 2009 as a roadside shack in Genoa. The Logans opened their current location in 2011 but are being tight-lipped about what sort of business they'll run at the current location once the new restaurant opens.

"It's a surprise," said Harlan Logan.

The new location will sell craft beers as soon as owners get their liquor license, which they expect to do by mid-April, Katie Logan said. There also will be an expanded menu which will offer the current daily specials – such as corned beef Wednesdays – every day, as well as more appetizers.

Harlan Logan also will have his whole toy collection on display. The current restaurant can only fit so many of his Lone Ranger, Batman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Superman toy figures.

"Lots of people come in just to see the toy collection," Katie Logan said.

And people come in from far distances to eat the food. Harlan Logan said he gets calls from people in Chicago who ask if they can have their orders ready by the time they stop by.

"That's what I appreciate most about the business," Harlan Logan said. "The customers are an addition to my family."

South Moon BBQ's most popular items are its ribs and its Cliff Sandwich, which contains both brisket and pulled pork and is named after a customer.

Katie Logan said the restaurant will still have the same family vibe once they expand, which customers frequently ask about.

"Our customer service won't change," she said. "We strive to have a southern hometown feel when you walk in. That's the way we want it."

South Moon BBQ is hiring for both locations. To apply, visit www.southmoonbbq.com or stop by the current location.